New York's most iconic building just got an overdue bar. The Empire Room has set up shop in the ground floor of the Empire State Building, bringing upmarket design and cocktails to a neighborhood riddled with tchotchke shops and fast food joints. -

The Empire State Building is one of those local landmarks many locals are proud to have never visited. It's too early to say if The Empire Room will change that. But its pedigree gives it a fighting chance. Owner Mark Grossitch is the man behind Grand Central's excellent Campbell Apartment, the vintage cocktail den tucked away in the buzzing terminal that attracts thirsty commuters (and, yes, a few tourists) looking for a break from Molly Malone's.